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40-Hectare Bushfire Burns Near Gracemere as Smoke Warning Issued - Gracemere, QLD
Smart summary
Fire crews are battling a bushfire covering about 40 hectares near Gracemere in Queensland, with waterbombing aircraft and multiple crews deployed as heavy smoke affects surrounding areas.
A bushfire covering approximately 40 hectares is burning near Gracemere in Central Queensland, prompting a major emergency response and a smoke warning for nearby residents on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
The fire was reported near Somerset Road and Enterprise Drive at about 1:10pm. Queensland Fire Department crews responded quickly, with around 11 urban and rural fire crews deployed to the area to fight the blaze. A waterbombing aircraft was also used to support firefighters from the air.
The fire has been burning through vegetation near Gracemere and was generating significant amounts of black smoke. Fire conditions required crews to work carefully as the fire moved through the surrounding area. Authorities issued an advice-level warning for nearby locations as the response continued.
The fire was reported to be burning in a southeasterly direction, with smoke visible across surrounding parts of the region. Residents and people travelling through the affected area were advised to remain alert and monitor changing conditions.
Queensland Fire Department crews continued working to contain the fire, while aerial operations were used to assist with firefighting and assess the extent of the blaze. The waterbombing operation was completed as crews moved into further containment and backburning work.
At the latest update, the fire was described as nearly under control, although firefighters were still working to manage remaining areas and prevent the fire from spreading. Backburning operations were continuing as part of efforts to establish stronger containment lines.
Authorities said there were no properties currently under threat at the time of the latest report. However, residents were warned that bushfire conditions can change quickly and that smoke levels and fire behaviour could vary depending on wind and local conditions.
The advice-level warning included areas around Stewart Street, Boongary Road, Kabra Road and sections along the Capricorn Highway. Residents in these areas were encouraged to stay informed and be prepared to respond if conditions changed.
The Gracemere fire comes shortly after another significant bushfire response in the Rockhampton region. A five-day bushfire at Mount Archer had been reported extinguished on Friday, although crews continued monitoring the area. The latest Gracemere fire is a separate incident and is not the same fire.
Firefighters face particular challenges during vegetation fires because changes in wind direction can quickly alter the movement of the fire front. Smoke can also reduce visibility on nearby roads and affect people who have respiratory sensitivities.
Residents who can see or smell smoke are advised to monitor official emergency information and avoid unnecessary exposure to heavy smoke. Drivers travelling through affected areas should also exercise caution because smoke can reduce visibility.
The Queensland Fire Department continued its response on Saturday afternoon, with crews focused on containment and backburning. Authorities will continue monitoring the fireground to ensure remaining hotspots do not develop into a larger fire.
FireSmokeCrewsWereBushfire
A bushfire covering approximately 40 hectares is burning near Gracemere in Central Queensland, prompting a major emergency response and a smoke warning for nearby residents on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
The fire was reported near Somerset Road and Enterprise Drive at about 1:10pm. Queensland Fire Department crews responded quickly, with around 11 urban and rural fire crews deployed to the area to fight the blaze. A waterbombing aircraft was also used to support firefighters from the air.
The fire has been burning through vegetation near Gracemere and was generating significant amounts of black smoke. Fire conditions required crews to work carefully as the fire moved through the surrounding area. Authorities issued an advice-level warning for nearby locations as the response continued.
The fire was reported to be burning in a southeasterly direction, with smoke visible across surrounding parts of the region. Residents and people travelling through the affected area were advised to remain alert and monitor changing conditions.
Queensland Fire Department crews continued working to contain the fire, while aerial operations were used to assist with firefighting and assess the extent of the blaze. The waterbombing operation was completed as crews moved into further containment and backburning work.
At the latest update, the fire was described as nearly under control, although firefighters were still working to manage remaining areas and prevent the fire from spreading. Backburning operations were continuing as part of efforts to establish stronger containment lines.
Authorities said there were no properties currently under threat at the time of the latest report. However, residents were warned that bushfire conditions can change quickly and that smoke levels and fire behaviour could vary depending on wind and local conditions.
The advice-level warning included areas around Stewart Street, Boongary Road, Kabra Road and sections along the Capricorn Highway. Residents in these areas were encouraged to stay informed and be prepared to respond if conditions changed.
The Gracemere fire comes shortly after another significant bushfire response in the Rockhampton region. A five-day bushfire at Mount Archer had been reported extinguished on Friday, although crews continued monitoring the area. The latest Gracemere fire is a separate incident and is not the same fire.
Firefighters face particular challenges during vegetation fires because changes in wind direction can quickly alter the movement of the fire front. Smoke can also reduce visibility on nearby roads and affect people who have respiratory sensitivities.
Residents who can see or smell smoke are advised to monitor official emergency information and avoid unnecessary exposure to heavy smoke. Drivers travelling through affected areas should also exercise caution because smoke can reduce visibility.
The Queensland Fire Department continued its response on Saturday afternoon, with crews focused on containment and backburning. Authorities will continue monitoring the fireground to ensure remaining hotspots do not develop into a larger fire.
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